Under the scorching sun, concrete bears rising temperatures. As temperatures rise, the internal temperature of the concrete soars as well. This can speed up the early-age strength gain, which might seem advantageous during construction. However, if the internal temperature goes beyond certain maximum levels, it can lead to potential issues like delayed-ettringite formation (DEF) and drying shrinkage.

DEF is a troublesome phenomenon characterized by cracking that occurs when early-age concrete temperatures exceed the 158-160 degrees Fahrenheit mark. Over time, as the water within the concrete pores evaporates, shrinkage occurs, creating the potential for cracks to form. The risks of cracking are heightened in hot weather when the internal concrete temperatures exceed the specified thresholds. Both DEF and drying shrinkage can result in costly repairs or even necessitate reconstruction.

Recognizing the detrimental effects that hot weather can have on concrete, many construction specifications now require teams to measure the temperature at delivery and monitor it during the curing process, ensuring it remains below the maximum temperature thresholds. While a thermometer may suffice for measuring temperature at delivery, it falls short when it comes to monitoring internal temperatures within large concrete elements such as columns or footings.

To address the challenges of monitoring internal concrete temperatures, COMMAND Center temperature sensors offer a reliable and effective solution. These sensors are embedded directly within the concrete, enabling accurate temperature monitoring at the core of the structure, where temperatures are at their highest and most critical.

By simply embedding the sensors during concrete placement, construction teams gain the ability to effortlessly track and record temperature changes over time. These sensors automatically measure and record temperatures, providing real-time data that enables informed decision-making throughout the construction process.

The utilization of COMMAND Center temperature sensors brings several benefits to construction projects in hot weather conditions. Let's explore some key advantages:

Accurate Monitoring: COMMAND Center sensors provide precise and reliable temperature measurements, ensuring compliance with specified temperature thresholds. This ensures that concrete remains within the safe temperature range.

Early Detection of Issues: Real-time temperature data enables early identification of potential problems, allowing construction teams to take proactive measures to prevent cracking, DEF, and drying shrinkage. By addressing issues promptly, costly repairs and reconstruction can be avoided.

Cost and Time Savings: By mitigating the risks associated with hot weather concrete placements, COMMAND Center™ helps construction teams save both time and money. Minimizing the need for expensive repairs or reconstruction ensures projects stay on schedule and within budget.

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